tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81051939707481159672011-10-11T23:53:22.364-06:00Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381652575362434916noreply@blogger.comBlogger11100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105193970748115967.post-30872582160722338272007-11-30T22:14:00.000-07:002007-12-02T16:41:20.087-07:00Well, I was convinced to start a blog by my classmate and friend Cheryl. Cheryl is so good at articulating her thoughts and practically says what I'm usually thinking (just much more eloquently) that I thought I would start my blog off with her advice. So here you have it...<br /><br />"Blogging gives you a forum in which to articulate your position. Invite the 10 smartest people you know to read your blog and, when possible, to take issue with you on contentious matters. I'm one of those people (and I suspect you are as well) who really enjoys healthy debate and discussion.<br /><br />I HATE it when people base their arguments on emotion. Emotional rationale should be reserved for emotional decisions (marriage, testimony, etc.) but when it comes to public policy (spending other people's money) [and other topics] I feel like policy makers have a moral obligation to taxpayers--after all, taxes represent someone elses' hard work and time away from their families, right? That said, I think any public policy issue we decide to undertake must:<br />1) be the result of extensive intellectual discussion and debate<br />2) in some way demonstrate validity and effectiveness in advancing the public good, and is, therefore, worthy of public funds.<br /><br />With that in mind, Rich, I think you should start blogging. You strike me as thoughtful and deliberative and, frankly, NOT silly. I will prophesy now that you will likely surprise yourself with the kinds of things you'll come up with. I think blogging, simply as an exercise in articulation and debate, will make you a better employee, decision-maker, policy wonk, etc.<br /><br />Think about it."<br /><br />I have accepted Cheryl's advice and started my own blog and encourage everyone else to do the same.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8105193970748115967-3087258216072233827?l=deepthoughtsbyrich.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Richhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381652575362434916noreply@blogger.com8